Australia Office
Suite 1, 1 Tramway Arcade
Rockdale
NSW 2216 Australia
Tel: +61-2-7257 7924
Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
Nepal Office
New Plaza
Putalisadak
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-01-4525382
Email: ktm@sbsconsultant.com.au
Parent Visa
Introduction
An Australian parents’ visa helps to reunite families permanently or temporarily to bring parents to live in Australia. If you are an Australian citizen living in Australia or a New Zealand citizen, you can sponsor your parents to join you. This visa is important as it allows families to live together, so parents can be closer to their children and grandchildren. Australia offers different parents’ visa options, including temporary migration and permanent ways of living through different subclasses.
Main Parent Visa Subclasses:
- Subclass 103 (Parent Visa – Non-Contributory)
- Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent Visa)
- Subclass 173 (Contributory Parent Temporary)
- Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent Temporary)
- Subclass 804/864 (Aged Parent Visas)
Comparison of Parent Visa Subclasses
| Visa Type | Subclass | Processing Time | Cost | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Visa (Non-Contributory) | 103 | 30+ years | $5,125 | Permanent | Lowest cost, longest wait |
| Contributory Parent | 143 | 2-4 years | $50,000 | Permanent | Faster processing, higher cost |
| Contributory Parent Temporary | 173 | 2-4 years | $30,000 | 2 years | Can lead to a permanent visa |
| Sponsored Parent Temporary | 870 | 6-12 months | $5,000 | 3-5 years | Temporary option only |
| Aged Parent | 804/864 | Varies | $5,125-$50,000 | Permanent | For parents 67+ years old |
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Criteria
-
Age requirements:
- No minimum age for regular parent visas
- Must be 67+ years for aged parent visas (subclass 804/864)
- Health requirements become stricter for older applicants
-
Nationality Requirements:
- Can be from any country
- Must be outside Australia when applying (some exceptions apply)
- Need a valid passport from their home country
-
Health and Character Requirements:
- Pass medical examinations
- Provide police clearance certificates
- Meet Australia's health and character standards No serious criminal history
Specific Requirements
-
Balance of Family Test: This is the most important requirement. Your parents must pass the Balance of Family Test, which means:
- At least half of their children must live permanently in Australia
- If they have 2 children, at least 1 must be in Australia
- If they have 4 children, at least 2 must be in Australia
- Children who are Australian citizens or New Zealand citizens count
- True Partnership: The relationship must be genuine and continuing
- Evidence Criteria: Evidence required across four key areas: financial, social, household, and commitment aspects
Long-term Relationship Criteria
For 820 partner visa applications, long-term relationships are defined as:
- With children: At least 2 years duration with dependent children, or
- Without children: At least 3 years duration without children
Critical Update: As of June 2023, there is no minimum income threshold requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs. However, ATO notices of assessment remain mandatory to demonstrate financial standing and tax compliance.
Required Documents
Identity and Relationship Documents:
- Valid passports for both partners
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Divorce certificates from previous relationships
- Comprehensive relationship evidence
Health and Character Requirements:
- Health examinations from approved panel doctors
- For dependent children: Birth certificates, custody documentation, and evidence of dependency
- Educational transcripts demonstrating study in regional Australia, if applicable
- Employment verification letters confirming work in designated regional areas throughout the provisional visa period
Processing Time & Costs
Current Fee Structure
Primary Applicant
AUD $490
Additional Applicants (18+ years)
AUD $245
Additional Applicants (Under 18)
AUD $125
Processing timeframes: 50% of applications processed within 56 days, 90% processed within 90 days, representing approximately 2-3 months average processing time.
Additional costs: Health examinations, police clearances, document translation services, and potential second instalment charges.
Processing Optimization
English Language Requirements
AUD $4,885 second instalment charge applies to applicants aged 18 years and over who cannot demonstrate functional English proficiency.
Hong Kong Stream
Higher base application charges of AUD $4,640 for primary applicants, AUD $2,315 for additional applicants over 18, and AUD $1,160 for children under 18.
Rights and Restrictions
Permanent Residence Benefits
- Unrestricted Residence: Live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently without regional restrictions.
- Medicare Eligibility: Access to Australia's public healthcare system.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible relatives for Australian permanent residence.
- Travel Flexibility: Multiple entries to Australia for five years from the grant date.
Long-Term Considerations
- Travel Component Expiry: After five years, a Resident Return Visa is required for re-entry as a permanent resident.
- Character Obligations: Continue meeting character requirements throughout permanent residency.
- Citizenship Pathway: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, subject to residence and other requirements.
Application Challenges & Solutions
Documentation Complexity
Challenge: Income documentation confusion due to policy changes
Solution: Focus on providing three complete years of ATO notices of assessment rather than demonstrating income thresholds, as minimum income requirements were abolished in June 2023.
Challenge: Proving continuous regional residence over three years
Solution: Maintain comprehensive records, including employment letters, rental agreements, utility bills, and educational enrollment documents throughout the provisional visa tenure.
Strategic Considerations
Advantage over other pathways
Unlike subclass 190 visas, the 191 permits unrestricted residence throughout Australia upon grant, providing maximum flexibility for future career and lifestyle decisions.
Planning importance
Begin document collection early in the provisional visa period to ensure comprehensive evidence availability when eligible to apply.
Conclusion
The subclass 191 visa represents the culmination of regional commitment for skilled migrants, offering unrestricted permanent residence throughout Australia. Recent policy changes eliminating income thresholds have enhanced accessibility while maintaining focus on regional contribution and tax compliance. Success requires meticulous documentation of three-year regional residence and comprehensive ATO assessment notices. Professional migration advice can optimise application quality and processing outcomes. With proper preparation and documentation, the 191 visa provides a definitive pathway to permanent Australian residence and eventual citizenship eligibility.